Washington QB Alex Smith Ruled Out Against Seahawks With Leg Injury
Dec 18, 2020, 2:54 PM
Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Football Team looks on from the sidelines during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Washington Football Team ruled out former Utah Utes quarterback Alex Smith from playing during the team’s Week 15 game against the Seattle Seahawks.
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Washington is slated to host Seattle on Sunday, December 20.
Smith won’t play after suffering a leg injury in Week 14.
The team announced that Dwayne Haskins will replace Smith as the team’s starting quarterback against the Seahawks.
Dwayne Haskins will start Sunday. Alex Smith has been ruled out. pic.twitter.com/mYcMytSTBv
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) December 18, 2020
After starting the game against the San Francisco 49ers on December 13, Smith did not play in the second half after suffering a leg injury.
On Wednesday, December 16, NFL inside Ian Rapoport said that Smith was working his way back.
“Washington QB Alex Smith (calf) is expected to be on the field for practice today, which is a good sign,” Rapoport tweeted. “It’s possible if he feels good enough, he could do individual drills. But he needs rest and rehab, not reps, so no one is pushing him to practice.”
Washington QB Alex Smith (calf) is expected to be on the field for practice today, which is a good sign. It’s possible if he feels good enough, he could do individual drills. But he needs rest and rehab, not reps, so no one is pushing him to practice.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 16, 2020
According to multiple reports, Smith did not participate in individual drills during practice on December 16 and Dwayne Haskins ran Washington’s first-team offense.
Dwayne Haskins spoke to the media about what he has learned from Alex Smith.
🎥: https://t.co/E7DVPIiP6w pic.twitter.com/KoQUj8Gx1m
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) December 18, 2020
In November 2018, Smith suffered a brutal season-ending injury to his right leg, the same leg injured against the Niner.
The injury resulted in more than a dozen surgeries and an infection that jeopardized not only his limb but his life.
Smith’s comeback reached its pinnacle this season as he made Washington’s active roster to begin the season.
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On October 11, Washington quarterback Kyle Allen went out of a game due to an injury, and Smith was inserted into the game. It was his first time playing in an NFL game in two seasons.
A couple of weeks later, Allen suffered a season-ending injury.
Washingon head coach Ron Rivera named Smith the team’s starting quarterback.
Alex Smith got his first win since suffering his devastating leg injury two years ago.
Forever inspiring 👏 pic.twitter.com/soFXlbZimK
— ESPN (@espn) November 22, 2020
Since then, the former Utah star has started five contests.
Smith’s play has helped Washington to a 4-1 record in the games he’s started, including four straight victories.
From an injury that nearly ended his career to beating the undefeated Steelers.
What a journey for Alex Smith 👏 (h/t @JJWatt) pic.twitter.com/JIjcHXOC7o
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 8, 2020
This season, Smith has thrown for 1,420 yards, four touchdowns, and six interceptions with a 66.4 percent completion rate.
The team currently owns a 6-7 record this season and sits in first place in the NFC East.
Washington’s game against the Seattle Seahawks will kick-off on Sunday, December 20 at 11 a.m. (MDT). The game will broadcast on FOX.
Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).
